Help with nippy ball

[RondaH]

Hi. I have a pastel baby that I got about 3 weeks ago. She is rather nippy, striking often and actually getting me a couple times. I know she will probably eventually settle down, but my question is what is the best thing I can do right now? Should I hold her and try to get her used to me or do I leave her alone and only handle her for feedings until she gets older? I'm not concerned about getting bit as it doesn't hurt right now, but I would like to get this under control before she gets big enough to draw blood. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[adrenalinejunkie]

Has she eaten for you yet? Do you have two identical hides?

Most people will let their BP settle in for a week before they offer food; during this period don't handle her. Offer food after a week and if she takes it give her 24-48hrs to digest it.

After that period you can begin handling her. Keep it short; 5-15 minutes for 2-3 times a week if possible. Try not to handle her on feeding day; sometimes they won't eat if they've been handled alot that day.

If she does strike when you are trying to handle her; don't put her back in, continue to handle her to discourage the striking behaviour. If you leave her alone when she hisses or strikes she's going to learn that that's what she has to do not to get picked up.

Cheers and goodluck with your new BP!

[Pixtaker]

I got a pair of pastels a few weeks ago and the female is just as sweet as can be. the male, however, had anger issues.

I spend at least 10 minutes holding him 3 times a day. After the first day he stopped striking at me while I was holding him. After about the third day he stopped striking at me in his tub. Today when I pick him up he's as docile as any in my collection.

Most of the time you can win them over with kindness. MOST of the time ;-)

[RondaH]

She has eaten quite voraciously on 3 occasions since I got her. She isn't my first ball, actually she is my 7th :=), but she is the first to be nippy. I have pretty much left her alone up until this point except for feeding so she should be adjusted, I just want to get this under control before she gets older. She just ate last night so I will start handling her tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.

[DustinB]

Just wait a week to settle in left alone, feed, wait 2 days. Then start handling every other day for 10-15mins. Mine were both like that and settled right down. They will learn you aren't there to harm them. Just make their time out peaceful, no fast movement around them, etc...